Philadelphia Announces Demolition Date for Spectrum

The time has finally come for Philadelphia to say good-bye to the Spectrum. On November 23, 2010, at 12 p.m., a wrecking ball will end the Spectrum’s storied history and begin phase one of the Philly Live construction plan.

It will be a bittersweet end for the arena that brought Philadelphia two-thirds of its championships. The Phillies have won two World Series Championships, one in Veteran’s Stadium and one at Citizen’s Bank Park, while the Sixers and Flyers have each won two championships, all in the Spectrum.

Comcast-SpectacorÂ plans on holding a viewing party with some Philadelphia legends in attendance. Julius “Dr. J” Erving, an alumnusÂ from the 76ers, and FlyersÂ alumnae Bernie Parent and Bob Clarke will be at the wrecking ball ceremony to bid the arena a fond farewell. In normal Philadelphia fashion, there will be $1 hot dogs and soft drinks and the demolition will be free to watch for all fans. Elusive Spectrum souvenirs will also be sold during the hour-long destruction ceremony.

In its place, Comcast-Spectacor is constructing Philly Live, an entertainment hot spot for game days and a place to stay on the few off-days. The area is being coined as a retail, restaurant and entertainment district in hopes that it will be the place to hang out before, after and during games. Comcast-Spectacor is partnering with The Cordish Company of Baltimore, Md., and hopes to break ground by this spring and open by spring 2012, just in time for Phillies fans to test it out.

Philly Live will be a restaurant, retail and entertainment stop for Philly fans.

Besides the Flyers and the Sixers, the Spectrum has also been home to many concerts and events.Â Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Leonard Cohen, and Pearl JamÂ had the honor of closingÂ the Spectrum, as they were the last events to be held in the facility in OctoberÂ of 2010. (Coverage of the final concert days at The Spectrum)

The Spectrum was also home to the AHL’s Philadelphia Phantoms, the lacrosse Philadelphia Wings and soccer’s Philadelphia Kixx.